Sunday off in Iqaluit

An aging Komatik (sled) in front of a new building

I have met some very friendly people in Iqaluit!  While I was waiting in the airport for a ride to my hotel, standing with my mountain of luggage (1 suitcase, 6 large Rubbermaid totes, 1 backpack and a carryon!)  looking very much like the new person in town, a Newfy fellow came up to me with outstretched hand saying, “I see you’re from Victoria. Welcome to Iqaluit. You’re going to love it here. Good luck!”  (My initials and town are plastered on the totes…)

I wasn’t sure what to expect on a Sunday in Iqaluit.  Will the shops be closed? Will everyone be sleeping in?  I went out walking to find out and quickly discovered that most shops are open 7 days a week. Government offices and banks are closed, which isn’t a surprise, but the retail and food shops, and the museum are open. 

Healthy foods are subsidized through a program called “Nutrition North Canada” while non-healthy food is sold at full price.  The subsidy helps reduce the expensive cost of shipping.  Everything must be flown in, or shipped in during the very brief summer shipping season when the sea ice is melted.

I couldn’t resist walking along the beach of Frobisher Bay and dipping my hand into the water.  Yes, the water is very cold!  The mini icebergs are a bit of a hint. :)

The Internet is very slow here. I wish I could upload more photos…I will have to leave today with this photo of a local park. The parks here are sculpted with rock and stone, and this one is filled with a lovely collection of public art.

Iqaluit Arrival

After overnighting in Ottawa, I arrived in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, late Saturday afternoon after enjoying a full service flight on Canadian North airline. I will be in Iqaluit for a week before moving on to Cape Dorset. Interestingly, the plane held 50% passengers and 50% cargo. I found my way to the Frobisher Inn hotel and dined on my first caribou burger with a pint. It was tasty--a bit like bison--very lean. I went for a walk as dusk was falling and took the photo above looking down on Frobisher Bay from my hotel on the hill. There are a few small icebergs in the bay blown in by the wind. There is a nip in the air and it feels like a cool December Victoria day.

The high school at dusk

Overlooking a church. As we are above the tree line, native plant life is very low-growing. The effect is quite breathtaking and one can see for miles...

Getting Ready...

I will be flying up to Iqaluit, Nunavut at the end of August to start my new teaching position at Nunavut Arctic College in Cape Dorset where I will be an instructor in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. Cape Dorset (in Inuktitut it is  Kinngait ᑭᙵᐃᑦ which means "high mountains") can be found on a small island just off the southern tip of Baffin Island.  (If you are still looking, find Hudson's Bay and look northeasterly and you will find it.)

Ironically I have been running around Victoria during the hottest heat wave we have had in BC for years purchasing a wide array of winter gear for my time in Nunavut, but have amazingly found almost everything I need: a Canada Goose Expedition Arctic Series Parka, killer Baffin snow boots (rated to -70 degrees C), mitts, toques, woollen socks, and base layers...everything I need.  Thank you Capital Iron and Robinson's!  I remain in pursuit of the rather illusive balaclava, however, but I remain optimistic!

I have rented out my home to a nice couple and have had some of my belongings shipped to Cape Dorset already, as it will take some time for them to arrive.  Everything is flown in, as there are no roads in or out of Nunavut. The only access is by airplane and/or seasonal ships or barges.

The countdown begins. I can't wait.... :)